ALMOST 200 people, including four babies, in Seberang Prai Tengah have been evacuated to four relief centres after their houses were flooded following heavy rains that lasted more than six hours.

Penang Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the 195 victims, comprising 46 families, were transferred to the centres between 7pm yesterday and 3am today.

“The Perda Timur evacuation centre, which was opened at 7pm, is housing two families from Kg Permatang Rawa. In total, there are 11 people there, including a 57-day-old baby.”

He said 22 victims, including a six-month-old infant, from four families have been placed at the Bukit Teh community hall, and 66 people from 15 families are seeking shelter at the Kg Pisang surau.

He said the Kg Permatang Tok Suboh relief centre is housing 96 people, including two babies, from 25 families.

The affected area is submerged in between 0.3m and 0.75m of floodwaters, he added.

Seberang Prai Tengah police chief Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said five roads in the district, which were closed yesterday due to floods, have been reopened in stages since 4am today.

“The roads are Jalan Tembikai, Jalan Kulim, Jalan Kebun Sireh, Jalan Permatang Tok Suboh and Jalan Perindustrian Bukit Minyak. Police are monitoring the area for crimes.” – Bernama, October 22, 2019.